Converse Opens West Coast Flagship

North Andover, Mass.-based Converse Inc., a subsidiary of NIKE Inc., announced the opening of its first West Coast specialty retail store in Santa Monica, Calif. The Santa Monica store is located at the Third Street Promenade and opened on Feb. 11. The 7,000-sq.-ft. location allows customers to design one-of-a-kind footwear, apparel and accessories. The Converse Customization station is located in the front of the store and is set against a 25-ft. window backdrop that showcases the process to pedestrians. The space also features three large skylights, wall installations designed by local artists and repurposed high-school bleachers that display footwear.